Where to eat when downtown at an INTRUST Bank Arena event

Posted on Friday, December 15, 2017 1:00 AM

If you are at downtown Wichita’s INTRUST Bank Arena for a concert or a sporting event, like the 2018 first and second rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, you will have plenty of choices for a great meal. There are excellent food options inside the arena, including outlets of several local restaurants, and you’re within walking distance of a smorgasbord of eateries.

Here are some of our favorite downtown Wichita restaurants, listed from closest to furthest from the arena:

Old Mill Tasty Shop – sandwiches, chili, Mexican dishes, chicken fry, blue plate specials, along with drinks and ice cream served from one of the most complete vintage fountains still in use in the area. The long-running restaurant opened in 1932.

Norton's Brewing Company – opening in late March 2018 with a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads and funnel cakes, in addition to tasty craft beer from the long-time master brewer at River City Brewing Co. Expect a family-friendly vibe with room for live entertainment and oversized lawn games.

Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Restaurant – all-day sophisticated dining available on the ground floor of the Ambassador Hotel Wichita. Menu features the cuisine of Tuscany in soups, salads, sandwiches, housemade pastas, flatbreads and inventive entrées using locally sourced proteins and vegetables. Siena Tuscan is a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner.

The Kitchen – housed in what was once the baggage claim building for Union Station, the menu is inspired by the French-trained chef. Shared plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and a wide variety of entrées. Their meats are all-natural, nitrate-free with no soy fillers or starch modifiers. They also prepare hearty vegetarian meals and can work with your specific dietary needs. A full bar serves specialty cocktails, wine and local craft beers.

Harvest Kitchen | Bar – the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are farm to table at Harvest Kitchen | Bar inside the Hyatt Regency Wichita. The menu is full of dishes using seasonal, locally grown produce and grains and local meat and dairy products. Don’t miss their happy hour 5-7 p.m. Monday–Friday for half-price select appetizers and drink specials.

Public at the Brickyard – features craft beer and simple local foods in a unique setting on the bottom floor of a restored warehouse. Lunch and dinner menus include appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, tacos, burgers, steak, seafood, pasta and more.

Larkspur Bistro & Bar – serving upscale culinary creations including Mediterranean, French, Italian and American dishes. Full bar and live music on weekend nights.

Playa Azul – specializing in the best traditional dishes of the central area of Mexico. Plus, margaritas and a full bar!

District Taqueria – authentic street tacos made using house-marinated and roasted meats, from-scratch salsas and locally made tortillas. Full bar and happy hour available.

The Anchor – known for craft cocktails, homestyle gastropub menu and an ever-changing selection of 59 craft beers on tap in an unpretentious setting. The Anchor's distinctive take on traditional bar fare includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrées.

Blue Fin Sake Bar & Sushi – the atmosphere here works for grabbing sushi for lunch, sampling a sake flight during happy hour or enjoying a romantic dinner. The menu showcases specialty, signature and classic sushi rolls but has something for everyone, including hot appetizers, soups, salads and Japanese entrées such as hibachi and tempura dishes. Kids items, desserts, full bar and two daily happy hours available.

B&C Barbeque – this lunch-only spot is open Monday-Saturday serving a barbecue buffet. It’s a favorite among locals for the tasty BBQ that’s served all-you-can-eat style with all the fixins and a salad bar.

INTRUST Bank Arena also is in walking distance to several fast food options, including Wendy’s, Spangles, Subway, Quiznos, Sonic and McDonald’s.

Click here to see more Wichita restaurants; there are more 1,000 across the city from food trucks to fine dining!